Most UK NHS patients not told of drug options

Bowel cancer specialists face an ethical dilemma about whether to mention drugs not funded locally, according to a survey conducted by UK patient group Beating Bowel Cancer, a disease for which this problem is especially relevant, as the latest bowel cancer drugs have not been given endorsement by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the UK advisory body which approves medical treatments for the National Health Service in England and Wales.

According to the survey, when doctors do discuss these treatment options with patients, nine out of 10 reveal that they have found themselves in an uncomfortable situation. As a result, over half say they have refrained from mentioning all potential treatments to some patients. Holding back information, however, can deprive them of the right to seek funding for the treatment.

Beating Bowel Cancer chief executive Hilary Whittaker said, "although we empathize with doctors who don't want to raise patients' hopes, we are aware, through speaking to patients, that the vast majority want to be told of all clinically-proven treatments appropriate to their condition. We want to be reassured that bowel cancer specialists are provided with whatever support they require in order for such conversations with their patients becoming accepted as normal practise."